“I had the dream of winning trophies and becoming a champion with Feyenoord. All my dreams have come true.”

Kuyt will now pursue a role with Feyenoord’s management team

In a career spanning 19 seasons Kuyt also played 104 internationals for the Netherlands, including the World Cup final in 2010, when the Netherlands lost to Spain in extra time.

Kuyt will now pursue a role with Feyenoord’s management team, where technical director Martin van Geel will act as his mentor.

“We are unbelievably grateful to Dirk for what he has meant to Feyenoord for the last two years,” Van Geel said.

“He has added a huge deal with his attitude, professionalism and passion. In the dressing room, on the pitch and beyond. So we are delighted to be able to retain someone with his experience and attitude at the club. I will tutor Dirk and I could easily imagine him taking over from me in due course.”